Beulah
United Methodist Church

An Extension of God's Love

The Beginning

The Beulah Church had its beginning in the community of Nineveh. The people of Nineveh traveled some six miles to the Lichty United Evangelical Church, located close to Geiger, to worship. They went by horse and buggy, on foot or by horseback. In 1885, a large revival service was held at the Lichty Church. Those attending from the area of Nineveh became inspired and decided to build their own local church. The framing for the one-room church began with great enthusiasm in 1886. The ground for the building was donated by Jacob Stern. The cost was approximately $3,000 for the building and inside furnishings. Services were held in the building before it was finished. In 1887, the Church was dedicated as the Beulah Evangelical Church.

The Evangelical Church and the United Brethren in Christ Church united to become the Evangelical United Brethren Church. So on November 16, 1946, the Beulah Evangelical Church became known as the Beulah Evangelical United Brethren Church.

1961 Addition

Through the years the membership increased, and the wooden one-room church becme too small for seven classes and all the members. In 1950 a building fund was started for a new church building. In July 1957, a congregational meeting was held for the purpose of hearing the plans for a new church and to appoint members for a building committee.

A ground-breaking service was held on June 18, 1961 for a new church building. The cost of the 38' x 56' church building was $35,000. The laying of the cornerstone was performed by Rev. A. Dean Wilson, pastor, November 12, 1961. The first service in the "new" church was held on February 11, 1962. It started in the old building, then the pastor led the congregation into the new church. The old church building was torn down in April 1962. The new church was dedicated on May 6, 1962.

In 1871, the Evangelical Association voted to unite or join the Methodist Church, but the union was not possible at that time. Many years later, a plan came about for the merger of the Evangelical United Brethren church and the Methodist Church. In April 1968, these two groups merged to become the United Methodist Church. Thus, the Beulah Evangelical United Brethren Church in 1968 became the Beulah United Methodist Church.

1991 Addition

The Sunday School and Church attendance continued to increase, along with new ideas to promote and maintain spiritual growth. Fund raising events, offerings and contributions made the Building Fund treasury grow to a level where it became feasible to enlarge the church. The Building Committee held a meeting with the Western Pennsylvania Conference Committee on April 13, 1989. Plans for an expansion for the church were approved. Church members also approved the building and remodeling plans. On April 23, 1990, ground was broken for the construction of a 37' x 50' addition. This new addition increased the sanctuary size and added a new classroom. A room for the pastor's study was also built. The enlargement of the basement included the construction of six new classrooms and increased the size of the fellowship hall area. An outdoor ramp was built and indoor facilities to accommodate the handicapped were installed. The last worship service with holy communion was held in the original sanctuary on July 8, 1990.

God has blessed the people of Beulah over the years and His presence is felt still as the ministry of the church grows. Truly Beulah United Methodist is an extension of God's Love as it reaches into the community and uses its facilities for the glory of God.